SHIRLEY, N.Y. --- Senior Robert Solano tossed a two-hit shutout in the opener for a 2-0 victory but the Moravian College baseball team was unable to rally from an early deficit in the second game, a 5-3 loss, as the Greyhounds split a Landmark Conference doubleheader with the United States Merchant Marine Academy Saturday in a twin bill played at Dowling College.
Solano scattered the two hits and didn't walk anyone for the second shutout of his career and first since his freshman campaign. Solano struck out three batters, raising his career total to 101 strikeouts.
The Greyhounds gave Solano all the offense that he needed in the opener with a run in the top of the second inning. Sophomore first baseman Charles Savite led off with a single and eventually crossed the plate on a two-out, RBI single from sophomore catcher Mike Roethke.
Moravian added an insurance run on the top of the sixth when freshman pinch runner Gaetaniello scored on an RBI double by junior left fielder Justin Pilchman. The Hounds finished the opener with six hits.
The Mariners made sure that there wouldn't be a shutout in the second game with four runs in the bottom of the first inning off of Moravian sophomore starter Brett Wagner.
The Greyhounds got on the scoreboard with a run in the top of the third inning when junior third baseman Ryan Luke led off with a single and scored when senior center fielder Joseph Connell hit a bases-loaded, RBI fielder's choice.
Moravian made the deficit two runs, 4-2, with another run in the top half of the fourth. Sophomore designated hitter Cameron Leon led off with a single and crossed the plate on a two-out RBI double from Luke. The hit for Luke was the 100th of his career as he became the 25th player in school history to reach the milestone.
USMMA pushed the lead back to three runs, 5-2, with a tally in the bottom of the sixth.
The Hounds, who left eight runners on base in the game and five in scoring position, finished off the scoring in the top of the seventh with another single run. Luke started the inning with a triple and scored when junior right fielder Matt Hanson connected on an RBI grounder.
The Mariners had a 9-8 edge in hits in the second game as Luke went 3-for-4 to lead Moravian.
Wagner tossed five-plus innings, allowing five runs on nine hits and two walks while striking out one batter. Sophomore Hunter Guard tossed the final inning with one strikeout.
The Greyhounds and the Mariners will finish the three-game series on Sunday, April 13 in a nine-inning game at the Mitchel Athletic Complex in Uniondale, New York at 12:00 p.m.
